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CABS serves as the central delivery point for services to small and minority businesses in Camden and Ouachita County. The Center provides space for training, coaching, and consultation for both existing and startup businesses. The CABS Center also is a self-paced learning center and offers:

  • Business Library
  • How-To Business Guides
  • Business Software & Videos
  • Assessments and diagnostic tools
  • Online Training & Tutorials
  • Commercial Databases
  • Video Connection To Technical Assistance
  • Telephone, Fax, Scanner, Printer, & Copier
  • Computer & Internet Access
  • Office & Conference Space

Starting a Business With Help
from CABS is as easy as 1.2.3

There is no one way to tackle a problem, and it’s the same in starting or retooling a business. We all have our own stories and our own approaches. At the CABS Center, we treat you as your unique self and help you to put together a plan for following your dream. We say “Dream Big” because we want you to be all that you can. It’s about you, your vision and your investment. Our job at CABS is to listen to you. That’s Step One.

For your part, here is what we expect you to do. (1) Visit the CABS Center and ask for an orientation. Ouachita Partnership staff provide individual orientations on how you can best access the Center’s resources and those of its partners; orientations are supplemented by a Center Directory and written usage guides and instructions. (2) Register as a User by completing the CABS Registration Form. (3) Complete the Readiness and Preparedness Self Assessments. (4) Drop in or call 870-836-2210 to schedule an appointment with a Small Business Coach.

See Your Plan Move Forward

Step Two begins with a meeting with your CABS Small Business Coach and ends with your completion of an action plan for success. Based upon your initial assessment, a plan of attack will be proposed; that Program may prescribe additional training and/or additional research at the CABS. If you are willing to commit to a plan, you will be accepted as a CABS Client.

When we say “We’ll Help You Do the Rest”, we mean just that. Business planning is hard work. No one can do it for you. It has to be your plan, your labor, your investment. Our job is to guide you - to support and work with you. We’re going to ask a lot of questions; some will be easy to answer, others will be challenging. In the end, your hard work will greatly improve your chances for success.

Here are five things that you can do to make Step Two more productive:

  1. Write a short description of your existing or proposed business and its products.
  2. Describe your customers and how you will get them to buy your product.
  3. Make a complete list of all of your business costs.
  4. What investments will you make in your business?
  5. What are your weaknesses – what kind of help do you need?

Positioned For Success - Execute!

If you completed Steps One and Two, you are positioned for success. Executing your plan can mean many things, including getting financing, securing permits and licenses, preparing your business space, marketing your business, hiring employees, and setting up your financial books. We are here to help. As a CABS Client, you will continue to receive coaching and are eligible for continuing training. That’s Step Three.